Stop mocking Trump: Respect the office you elected

 

Donald Trump, the US president. 

In every democracy, citizens reserve the right to criticize their leaders, challenge their decisions, and debate the direction of their country. However, what has unfolded around Donald Trump goes far beyond ordinary political disagreement.

 

The level of mockery, ridicule, and personal attacks directed at him, often from his own citizens, has reached a point rarely seen in modern American politics. Whether one agrees with his policies or not, the relentless culture of making fun of a sitting president raises deeper questions about respect, national unity, and historical awareness.

 

Many Americans argue that they oppose Trump because they dislike his policies. Yet disagreement with a leader’s agenda has never justified the kind of public humiliation that has become normalized. Critique is healthy; ridicule is corrosive.

 

A nation that claims to value democracy should also value the office of the presidency, even when the occupant is controversial. When mockery becomes the default response, it weakens the very institutions people claim to defend.

 

What makes this situation even more striking is the selective outrage. Some of the same Americans who loudly condemn Trump’s policies today remained silent when previous U.S. administrations imposed harmful policies on Africa, policies that destabilized economies, supported dictatorships, fueled conflicts, and contributed to the long-term suffering of millions.

 

For decades, the African continent has borne the consequences of decisions made in Washington, often without the American public showing the same passion or moral indignation they now display toward Trump.

 

This contrast exposes a troubling double standard. If Americans believe certain policies are harmful, then consistency demands that they also acknowledge the damage caused by earlier administrations, Republican and Democrat alike, whose actions abroad had far more devastating consequences than anything they accuse Trump of domestically.

 

The silence during those years suggests that outrage is often selective, shaped more by internal political divisions than by genuine concern for justice or human rights.

 

It is therefore difficult to accept the argument that Trump deserves ridicule because of his policies. If harmful policies are the measure, then past leaders should have faced far greater scrutiny for the suffering their decisions inflicted on Africa. Instead, many Americans ignored or minimized those impacts, while today they feel justified in mocking their own president over disagreements that pale in comparison.

 

Respecting the presidency does not mean agreeing with everything a leader does. It means recognizing that democracy requires a baseline of civility and consistency. If Americans want to hold their leaders accountable, they should do so with fairness, historical awareness, and an understanding of how U.S. policies, past and present, affect not only their own nation but the wider world.

 

Mockery may feel satisfying in the moment, but it does nothing to strengthen democracy or promote meaningful change. A more honest conversation would acknowledge that Trump is not the first U.S. president whose policies sparked controversy, and he will not be the last. What matters is whether citizens can rise above personal attacks and engage with political issues in a way that reflects maturity, integrity, and global awareness.

 

In the end, Donald Trump is the elected president of the United States. Disagree with him if you must, challenge his decisions if you choose, but the culture of making fun of him says more about the nation than it does about the man.

 

A country that demands respect from the world should begin by respecting its own institutions, and by confronting the uncomfortable truth that its past actions abroad deserve just as much scrutiny as its present debates at home.

Muhammad Ali’s visit to Ghana: An echo that still resonates

 

Muhammad Ali's 1964 visit to Ghana was a landmark moment in both his personal journey and Pan-African history.

When Muhammad Ali, then newly crowned heavyweight champion of the world, arrived in Ghana in 1964, the moment was far more than a celebrity visit. It was a symbolic homecoming, a meeting between two of the most influential Black figures of the 20th century.

 

Ali, the brash, brilliant boxer who had just stunned the world by defeating Sonny Liston, stepped onto African soil as a global icon in the making. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president and the leading voice of Pan‑Africanism, welcomed him not merely as a sportsman but as a son returning to the continent.

 

Their encounter captured the spirit of an era defined by liberation, pride, and the reawakening of African identity. Ali’s arrival in Accra was electric, as thousands lined the streets, cheering as his motorcade passed, waving flags and chanting his name.

 

Newspapers described the scene as one of the most enthusiastic public receptions since Ghana’s independence celebrations. In the VIP lounge of the airport, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Kojo Botsio greeted him on behalf of Nkrumah and bestowed upon him a new name: Kwame Muhammad Ali, marking him as a Sunday-born son of the Ashanti tradition.

 

Ali embraced the gesture with pride, calling his trip “a return to the fatherland,” a phrase that resonated deeply with Ghanaians and African Americans alike. When Ali finally met Nkrumah, the encounter was warm, symbolic, and politically charged. Nkrumah saw in Ali a powerful cultural ambassador, young, confident, unapologetically Black, and admired across the world.

 

Ali, in turn, admired Nkrumah as the embodiment of African independence and dignity. Their meeting represented a bridge between the struggles of African Americans and the aspirations of newly independent African nations. It was a moment when the global Black freedom movement felt united, hopeful, and unstoppable.

The visit also carried political undertones. Ghana in the early 1960s was a beacon of Pan‑Africanism, attracting intellectuals, activists, and revolutionaries from across the diaspora. Figures like W.E.B. Du Bois and Malcolm X had already found inspiration in Nkrumah’s Ghana.

 

Ali’s presence added a new dimension: the world’s most famous athlete standing shoulder to shoulder with Africa’s most outspoken anti‑colonial leader. For many Ghanaians, it was a validation of their country’s growing influence on the world stage. Ali’s days in Ghana were filled with public appearances, cultural ceremonies, and interactions with ordinary people.

 

He wore kente cloth, danced with crowds, and visited schools and training centers. His charisma transcended language and borders. Even decades later, older Ghanaians recall the joy and pride of seeing him walk through their streets, an African American who carried himself with the confidence of a king yet moved among them with humility and warmth.

 

The echoes of that visit have not faded. It remains a defining moment in the shared history of Africa and its diaspora. Ali’s embrace of Ghana strengthened the emotional and political ties between African Americans and the continent. For Ghana, the visit reinforced its identity as a home for the global Black family and a center of Pan‑African thought.

 

For Ali, it marked the beginning of his transformation from athlete to global moral figure, a journey that would later see him stand against the Vietnam War and become a symbol of resistance and dignity. Today, the images and stories of Ali with Nkrumah continue to circulate, reminding new generations of a time when Black unity felt tangible and powerful.

 

Their meeting stands as a testament to the enduring connection between sport, politics, and identity, and to the profound impact that two extraordinary men had on the world.

The behavioral shift: What social media is doing to our minds

 

Social media's psychological impact is complex, offering both significant benefits and notable risks, particularly for young people.

Social media has become one of the most influential forces shaping human behavior in the 21st century. Its platforms encourage constant interaction, instant feedback, and continuous exposure to curated content.

 

As a result, people often adjust their behaviors, sometimes consciously, sometimes unconsciously, to align with the norms and expectations they see online. This can include adopting new trends, modifying communication styles, or even altering personal values to fit into digital communities.

 

One of the most visible effects is the shift in how individuals seek validation. Likes, comments, and shares function as social rewards, reinforcing certain behaviors and discouraging others.

 

Over time, this can create a cycle where people post content not because it reflects their true selves, but because it is likely to generate engagement. This dynamic can significantly impact self-esteem, decision-making, and emotional well-being, particularly among younger users who are still developing their identities.

 

Social media also influences behavior through exposure to information, including both accurate and misleading content. The speed at which content spreads can amplify emotions, shape public opinion, and influence real-world actions.

 

Whether it’s participating in social movements, adopting new habits, or reacting to viral misinformation, people often respond to what they encounter online without fully evaluating its credibility. This can lead to positive outcomes, such as increased awareness and activism, but also negative ones, such as polarization or impulsive behavior.

 

The effects of social media on behavior can be explored from multiple angles, each revealing how deeply digital platforms shape modern life. Psychologically, social media influences how people think, feel, and evaluate themselves.

 

Features such as likes, comments, and notifications create reward loops that encourage repeated engagement, while constant exposure to curated images and lifestyles fuels comparison and self‑doubt.

 

Many users, especially adolescents, begin to shape their identities around what receives approval online, blurring the line between authentic self‑expression and performance for an audience.

 

Social behavior has also transformed significantly, shifting communication norms toward shorter, faster, and more public interactions, and online communities now play a major role in shaping beliefs and social belonging. Trends spread rapidly, influencing fashion, language, humor, and even political attitudes.

 

At the same time, social media can create echo chambers where people primarily interact with those who share similar views, reinforcing group identities and sometimes deepening divisions. Another major factor is the role of algorithms, which determine what users see and how often they see it.

 

These systems subtly guide behavior by prioritizing content that triggers strong reactions, whether positive or negative. As a result, users may find themselves nudged toward certain opinions, habits, or purchases without realizing the influence behind their choices.

 

This raises important questions about digital ethics, manipulation, and the power of technology companies in shaping public behavior. Social media also affects decision-making in everyday life.

 

People increasingly rely on online content when choosing what to buy, how to vote, or how to interpret current events. Influencers, viral posts, and misinformation can all play a role in shaping these decisions, sometimes leading to positive outcomes such as increased awareness, but also to harmful consequences when false information spreads unchecked.

 

Despite these challenges, social media can have beneficial effects, offering emotional support, strengthening long‑distance relationships, and giving marginalized groups a platform to be heard. Taken together, these influences show that social media is not just a tool but a powerful environment that shapes behavior on both individual and societal levels.

 

It affects how people communicate, how they see themselves, how they make decisions, and how communities form and evolve. Understanding these effects is essential for navigating the digital world with awareness and balance.

Africa’s hidden empires: The untold histories that rewrite the world

 

Africa’s hidden empires reveal a continent of profound innovation, governance, and global influence long before European colonialism.

The Libraries of Timbuktu: Africa’s Forgotten Intellectual Capital

One of the greatest intellectual traditions in the world was practiced at Timbuktu, Mali, long before the Renaissance in Europe. Hundreds of thousands of manuscripts in astronomy, medicine, mathematics, philosophy, law, and poetry were kept in the city between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. Scholars from across Africa, the Middle East, and even parts of Europe traveled there to study.

 

These manuscripts prove that West Africa had a thriving written culture, contradicting the colonial myth that Africans relied solely on oral tradition. Many of these texts remain hidden in family chests, buried in desert homes, or smuggled to safety during conflicts. Their existence challenges the false narrative that Africa lacked literacy, science, or philosophical depth.

 

The Kingdom of Benin’s Technological Mastery

 

The Kingdom of Benin (in present-day Nigeria) was one of the most artistically and technologically advanced civilizations of its time. Its bronze sculptures, known as the Benin Bronzes, were created using metallurgical techniques so sophisticated that European experts in the 19th century refused to believe Africans made them.

 

Benin City itself was protected by a system of earthworks four times longer than the Great Wall of China, constructed entirely by hand. The city’s urban planning, drainage systems, and administrative organization were unmatched in Europe at the time. Much of this history was deliberately erased after the 1897 British invasion, when thousands of bronzes were looted and the city burned.

 

The Swahili Coast: Africa’s Maritime Empire

 

From Somalia to Mozambique, the Swahili Coast was a thriving maritime civilization that dominated the Indian Ocean trade for over a thousand years. African merchants sailed monsoon winds to India, Persia, and China, exporting gold, ivory, and iron while importing silk, porcelain, and spices. Cities like Kilwa, Mombasa, and Zanzibar were cosmopolitan hubs with stone architecture, multi‑story houses, and advanced navigation knowledge. Chinese records describe African ambassadors arriving at the Ming court centuries before Europeans reached East Africa. This history disrupts the myth that Africans were isolated from global trade or lacked seafaring expertise.

 

The Empire of Great Zimbabwe: A Monument to African Engineering

 

Great Zimbabwe, built between the 11th and 15th centuries, was the capital of a powerful empire that controlled trade routes stretching to the Indian Ocean. Its massive stone walls, some over 11 meters high, were constructed without mortar, using precise stone‑fitting techniques that still puzzle engineers today.

 

 European colonizers refused to believe Africans built it, inventing theories that it was constructed by Phoenicians or Arabs. Modern archaeology has confirmed beyond doubt that Great Zimbabwe was an African achievement, representing a highly organized political and economic system.

 

The Nubian Queens Who Ruled Egypt

 

Long before Cleopatra, the Kingdom of Kush (in modern Sudan) produced a line of powerful queens known as the Kandakes. These women ruled armies, negotiated treaties, and defended their territories against Rome. One of the most famous, Queen Amanirenas, defeated the Roman Empire in 24 BCE, forcing them into a rare peace treaty favorable to Kush. Her story is barely mentioned in Western history books, yet she stands as one of the few leaders in history to successfully challenge Rome.

 

The African Resistance Movements Erased by Colonial Narratives

Across the continent, Africans resisted colonialism long before the 20th‑century independence movements. From the Asante Empire’s wars against the British, to Samory Touré’s decade‑long resistance in West Africa, to the Herero and Nama uprisings in Namibia, Africans fought fiercely for sovereignty.

 

Many of these stories were intentionally minimized to portray colonization as peaceful or inevitable. In reality, Europe’s conquest of Africa was met with organized, strategic, and often technologically innovative resistance.

Joel Savage at 69 today: Exhibiting a legacy that refuses to be buried

 

Joel Savage and son: Prayer is good when God adds another year to your age because it deepens your relationship with Him.

At sixty‑nine, I stand not only as a man celebrating another year of life but also as someone who has spent a quarter of a century in Europe reshaping the way difficult stories are told. My journey from Africa to Belgium opened doors I never expected.

 

The doors that led me into conversations with scientists, medical professionals, and thinkers who helped me understand how narratives around health, disease, and human suffering are shaped. Those encounters sharpened my instincts and strengthened my resolve to pursue journalism grounded in integrity, accountability, and fearless inquiry.

 

Over the years, I have witnessed how information can be manipulated, how certain truths are sidelined, and how journalists can be pressured to follow predetermined scripts. Instead of discouraging me, these realities fueled my determination to write boldly, to question deeply, and to defend the dignity of communities whose stories are often ignored.

 

My work has not always been welcomed, but it has always been necessary. Attempts to silence or bury my articles have only confirmed the importance of the mission I embraced.

 

Today, as I mark my 69th birthday, I celebrate not only my life but also the foundation I have built, a foundation rooted in truth‑seeking, resilience, and the unwavering belief that history remembers those who refuse to be erased. Just as the legacy of slavery endures despite centuries of attempts to minimize it, the impact of my work will remain.

 

My voice, my advocacy, and my commitment to justice will continue to echo long after I am gone. This birthday is not just a personal milestone. It is a reminder that purpose gives life its meaning and that every act of courage, no matter how small, contributes to a larger story. I move forward with gratitude, strength, and the conviction that my journey still has chapters left to write.

 

I pray for those who made me suffer for speaking the truth. Their actions only strengthened my resolve and reminded me that I have committed no crime. My advice to them is simple: if they are younger than I am, may they pray to enjoy the good health I have today; and if they are older, may they pray for a healthy life in the years ahead.

 

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the thousands of readers around the world who believed in my work, even now that you no longer have access to it. Above all, I thank the omnipotent God whose unwavering faith in me has carried me through a world too often ruled by money and race.

The mirror of colonialism is now reflecting on Greenland

 

An iceberg passes at sunset in Nuuk, Greenland. Photo credit: Vecteezy

For centuries, Africans have carried the weight of external aggression, colonial domination, cultural erasure, economic exploitation, and the persistent denial of their humanity. These experiences were not isolated events but a long continuum of imposed suffering that reshaped entire societies.

 

Today, as the world confronts new geopolitical tensions and environmental pressures, a striking historical mirror is emerging. The same patterns of intrusion, displacement, and disregard for indigenous identity that once defined Africa’s colonial experience are now casting their reflection on Greenland.

 

Greenland, long perceived by outsiders as a remote, icy frontier, is suddenly at the center of global attention. Melting ice has exposed vast mineral resources, new shipping routes, and strategic military opportunities. Powerful nations, some of which once carved up Africa without hesitation, are now circling Greenland with familiar intentions.

 

The rhetoric may be modern, wrapped in the language of development, security, or partnership, but the underlying motivations echo the past. Africans know this script too well: when outsiders discover value in your land, your autonomy becomes negotiable.

 

The Inuit people of Greenland, like many African communities before them, face the danger of being spoken for rather than listened to. Their ancestral relationship with the land is at risk of being overshadowed by foreign interests that prioritize extraction over preservation.

 

This dynamic mirrors the historical aggression Africans endured, where local voices were silenced and replaced by the ambitions of distant powers. The world is witnessing a familiar pattern, one where indigenous identity becomes secondary to geopolitical competition.

 

What makes this reflection even more striking is the global silence surrounding it. Just as Africa’s suffering was once normalized or dismissed, Greenland’s emerging vulnerability is treated as a strategic opportunity rather than a human story.

 

The lessons of African history, lessons written in blood, resistance, and resilience, are being ignored. The world seems poised to repeat the same mistakes, proving that aggression, when unchallenged, simply migrates to new territories. Yet Africans also offer a powerful counter-narrative. Their history is not only one of victimhood but also of endurance, cultural survival, and the eventual reclaiming of agency.

 

If the world chooses to look into this historical mirror with honesty, it will see not only the dangers facing Greenland but also the possibility of a different path, one grounded in respect, consultation, and genuine partnership. 

Africans have shown that imposed domination breeds resistance and that communities underestimated by global powers often become the authors of their own liberation.

 

Greenland stands at a crossroads, and the forces gathering around it resemble the early stages of Africa’s colonial tragedy, but history does not have to repeat itself. 

The mirror is there for all to see. Whether the world chooses to learn from Africa’s past or ignore it once again will determine whether Greenland’s future is shaped by exploitation or by self-determination.

The psychology of Friday: Understanding the mental shift before the weekend

 

Most people love Fridays and dislike Mondays

The emotional shift that occurs on Friday is nearly universal. People feel happier, lighter, and more sociable even before the workday is over.

 

This change is not coincidental; it stems from a combination of human biology, culture, and psychology. Friday is symbolic of the boundary between duty and liberty, and our minds react appropriately.

 

I really adore the song "I Don't Like Mondays" by "Boomtown Rats," which features the young Bod Geldorf. The trio was motivated to write such a lovely song by one of the many sources of inspiration. 

 

The song is about the San Diego shooting at Cleveland Elementary School. In addition to being the second day of the week, people's hatred of Mondays can be explained by the busy hours and days leading up to the weekend.

 

Anticipation is the main attraction of Friday. Psychologists have long observed that anticipating a nice event can have just as much impact as the experience. By Friday morning, the brain starts to release more dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to reward, because it anticipates relaxation, leisure, or social interaction.

 

Just anticipating itself can improve mood, increase concentration, and even lower stress. To put it another way, Friday feels nice because of what it promises rather than what it is. Additionally, there is a cultural component. Friday has come to represent collective liberation in many parts of the world.

 

 

People dress more casually, workplaces slow down, and discussions move from deadlines to weekend plans. The emotional boost is reinforced by this common social rhythm. 

Group behavior has a profound effect on humans; when everyone around us appears to be happier, we tend to feel better ourselves. Friday turns into a weekly collective relief ritual.

The feeling of recovered autonomy is another psychological layer. Schedules, obligations, and expectations frequently make people feel limited throughout the week. The return of personal control is marked by Friday.

 

The idea of choice deciding how to spend time, who to visit, and what to prioritize creates a strong sensation of freedom, even though the weekend will be hectic. Even in tiny amounts, that independence has a healing effect on the mind.

 

However, Friday's mental state isn't totally favorable. Some people experience anxiety or irrational expectations as a result of the pressure to "make the most" of the weekend.

 

For some, Friday serves as a reminder of the imbalance in their lives because of the stark difference between the stress of the week and the relaxation of the weekend. Friday is a weekly source of hope because, for the majority of individuals, the emotional boost surpasses the stress.

 

Friday's psychology shows how profoundly our minds react to structure, expectation, and shared experience. It serves as a reminder that we can persevere through taxing routines with even brief, predictable times of relief.

 

Finally, Friday is more than just a day; it's a psychological reset, a fleeting but potent reminder that relaxation, happiness, and opportunity are always possible.

How conflict and climate fuel humanitarian disasters

 

Conflict weakens governance, destroys infrastructure, and displaces communities

Conflicts, climate change, and humanitarian disasters are no longer separate global challenges; they are interconnected crises feeding into one another with devastating consequences.

 

Around the world, communities already weakened by political instability or armed conflict are now facing the added pressure of extreme weather, environmental degradation, and resource scarcity. These overlapping emergencies create a vicious cycle in which people are displaced, economies collapse, and governments struggle to respond.

 

Climate change acts as a threat multiplier, intensifying existing tensions and creating new ones. Droughts destroy agricultural livelihoods, pushing families into hunger and forcing migration. Floods and storms wipe out infrastructure, leaving millions without shelter, clean water, or medical care.

 

In fragile states, these shocks can ignite or worsen conflicts as groups compete for shrinking resources. What begins as an environmental crisis quickly becomes a humanitarian one, with civilians bearing the heaviest burden.

 

Humanitarian disasters emerging from this convergence are becoming more frequent and more severe. From the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, from South Asia to Latin America, vulnerable populations are trapped between violence and climate extremes.

 

Aid organizations struggle to keep pace as needs outstrip resources, while political barriers often prevent timely intervention. The result is a growing number of people living in protracted crises, with little hope of stability or recovery.

Humanitarian systems face growing strain as overlapping crises increase demand for aid while competition for funding intensifies.  

The international community must adopt integrated, climate- and conflict-sensitive responses that prioritize resilience, equity, and long-term recovery, recognizing that climate change does not cause conflict directly, but amplifies existing risks and inequalities.

Addressing these intertwined challenges requires more than emergency relief; it demands long-term, coordinated action. Governments, international institutions, and civil society must work together to strengthen resilience, support climate adaptation, and promote peacebuilding. 

Without such efforts, the world risks entering an era where humanitarian disasters become the norm rather than the exception.

Society is largely indifferent until you disrupt the status quo

 

 

Anyone sleeping at a central station, battling addiction or alcohol, or fighting invisible challenges deserves understanding, not condemnation.

 

People don't devote their mental energy to you when you're unknown, since they are preoccupied with their own lives. They don't give a damn about you, but when you start adding value and finding solutions to issues, you may make friends or enemies. The decisions we make, the places we live in, and the dignity we grant ourselves all influence who we are. If I were an addict, I doubt that I would have become the person I am now.

 

My objectives, perseverance, sense of purpose, and support for other Africans dealing with a range of difficulties, such as visiting Africans facing challenges in Belgium and the Netherlands, would most likely not exist in the same shape if my life had gone in a different direction. Many people believe that Europe is a utopia, yet mental health problems might arise if you are cognitively, emotionally, or spiritually weak.

 

Many Africans in Europe have either developed mental health issues or become alcoholics or drug addicts. I don't condemn them, but I wish they had the will and strength to face the unexpected situations that many Africans find intolerable, which ultimately force them into the dark tunnels of no return. Sometimes, I wonder why some Africans came to Europe.

It’s one of those uncomfortable truths about human behavior that almost everyone feels at some point in life. When you’re “nobody,” you don’t threaten anyone’s sense of place, identity, or comfort. However, why is it that society doesn't care about you if you are nobody, but as soon as you try to achieve something, all eyes are on you, and they want to bring you down?

 

In the social system, you are invisible, but as soon as you begin to rise, even the little movement you make attracts notice. While some find it intimidating, others find it admirable. Since I entered the world on my own at the age of nineteen following the unexpected death of my father, I have experience with challenges and an understanding of the facets of human life.

 

Your growth forces people to confront their own stagnation. Instead of asking, “Why am I not improving?” it’s easier for them to say, “Who does he think he is?” Crucify him! Life is extremely difficult, but it wasn't created by God; rather, those who aren't prepared to accept the truth, or think being a Black man means you are not a human being, will make your life miserable.

 

Being a doormat means allowing others to take advantage of you without setting boundaries. If you consistently prioritize others’ needs over your own and suppress your opinions to please everyone, you risk being seen as someone who can be easily walked over. When I die, nobody will remember me as a thief who stole bread to eat at the supermarket in Antwerp, but as an African writer who suffered a great deal because of the truth.

 

I will neither be an alcoholic nor a drug addict. It clouds judgment, weakens the body, and numbs the spirit. It replaces hope with dependency and steals the clarity needed to make meaningful decisions. If I were trapped in that cycle, I would not have the mental freedom to reflect, to learn, to build, and to be a celebrity without appearing on television.  

 

The person I am today, capable, reflective, and driven, exists because I have been able to stand on my own feet, face challenges with a clear mind, and pursue my goals with intention. I have been able to choose growth over stagnation and purpose over despair. That doesn’t make me superior to anyone struggling; it simply means I recognize how fragile identity can be and how delicate life can be; therefore, you need to step in the right direction.

 

This reflection is not about judgment but about gratitude. It is a reminder that dignity is not guaranteed, and that compassion is essential. Anyone sleeping at a central station, battling addiction, or fighting invisible battles deserves understanding, not condemnation. Their story could have been mine. My story could have been theirs. The line between us is thinner than we like to admit.

 

In acknowledging this, I honor both my own journey and the humanity of those who walk a harder road. The truth deepens my appreciation for the life I have while strengthening my empathy for those still searching for theirs.

The ant: The little insect with a giant spirit

 
Ants are incredibly diligent insects

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The ant is one of nature’s smallest creatures, yet it is very intelligent and carries a spirit that feels impossibly large. Watching an ant at work is like witnessing determination in its purest form. It moves with purpose, never distracted, never discouraged, even when the task ahead seems far beyond its size.

 

Its body is dwarfed by a single crumb, which becomes a mission rather than a burden. The ant just acts, relying on its power, its community, and its innate desire to build, gather, and persevere; it doesn't ask whether it is capable.

 

What makes the ant remarkable is not just its physical strength, though lifting its own weight many times is impressive, but its unwavering commitment to collective progress. Ants thrive because they understand something humans often forget: greatness is rarely achieved alone.

 

Each ant contributes to the colony with quiet consistency, knowing that its small efforts, repeated over time, create something enduring. Their tunnels, bridges, and food stores are monuments to cooperation, discipline, and shared purpose.

 

Yet beyond their industrious nature lies a deeper lesson about resilience. When obstacles appear, ants don’t retreat. They reroute, rebuild, and continue. Flood their nest, and they construct living rafts.

 

If you block their path, they will carve a new one. Their spirit is a reminder that size does not define capability, and setbacks do not define destiny. In the ant’s world, persistence is the ultimate power.

 

In many ways, the ant embodies the idea that greatness often comes in humble forms. It teaches us that strength is not always loud, and courage is not always dramatic. 

Sometimes, it is the quiet, steady, unshakeable will to keep moving forward, one grain, one step, one effort at a time. The ant may be tiny, but its spirit is undeniably giant, and its example invites us to rethink what it means to be powerful.

 

As Proverbs 6:6-8 states, “Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”

 

Their diligence, teamwork, and foresight, especially in preparing for winter, make ants a timeless symbol of hard work and wisdom in both nature and human culture. Social Intelligence: Ants communicate using pheromones, enabling coordinated efforts such as transporting food, building nests, and defending against threats.

 

Organisms that break down wood and recycle nutrients, such as termites, carpenter ants, and dung beetles, are essential to the health of ecosystems.

Mental health in a chaotic world: Why we’re all struggling more than ever

 

Anxiety disorders affected an estimated 359 million people worldwide in 2021, making them the most prevalent mental health problem.

Mental health has always been a delicate part of the human experience, but today’s world amplifies every stressor in ways previous generations never had to face. We live in an age of constant noise—digital, emotional, social, and informational. As soon as we get up, we are bombarded with notifications, news, opinions, and expectations.

 

Seldom do our minds get the quiet time they require to recharge. Our neural systems are kept on high alert by this constant stimulation, which makes it more difficult to think properly, have a good night's sleep, or feel grounded. Simultaneously, the speed of modern life has increased beyond the capacity of our brains.

 

According to productivity culture, we should constantly strive to do more, accomplish more, and better ourselves. By showcasing carefully chosen glimpses of other people's lives, social media creates an additional layer of pressure that makes us feel like we're lagging behind even when we're trying our hardest.

 

As a result, we have a persistent sensation of inadequacy, a silent conviction that we are insufficient, and increasing fatigue from attempting to keep up. This chaotic society also contains a deep sense of loneliness. Although we are more connected than ever, it is now more difficult to find true human connection.

 

Many people feel alone even when they are surrounded by others because deeper conversations that promote emotional well-being are often substituted by digital interactions. In the absence of substantial support networks, everyday challenges feel heavier, and times of crisis become much more overwhelming.

 

Lastly, there is an unavoidable background hum of anxiety brought on by global uncertainty. There is a perception that the world is changing more quickly than we can adjust due to political unrest, economic volatility, ecological concerns, and rapid technological advancement. Even though these problems don't directly impact us on a daily basis, they

 

Recognizing our surroundings and granting ourselves permission to seek solitude, connection, and compassion in a world that never provides them freely are key components of understanding this rather than placing the blame on ourselves.

 

Nowadays, mental health problems affect people of all backgrounds, and anxiety and sadness are on the rise globally. Systemic issues, including unstable housing, stagnating earnings, and income inequality, aggravate the crisis and directly lead to a rise in anxiety and depressive symptoms.

 

Particularly in developing countries, where emotional anguish is frequently a reaction to unfavorable social circumstances rather than an inherent flaw, social determinants including poverty, unemployment, violence, and institutional corruption are potent causes of unhappiness. 

The medical approach frequently pathologizes typical emotional reactions to adversity, deflecting focus from structural remedies like better social welfare, education, and economic opportunity, even as mental health awareness has increased.

 

Reduce anxiety and manage the overwhelming mental noise in today’s world

 

Experts advise combining mindfulness exercises, cognitive techniques, and environmental changes to manage and lessen anxiety in the excessive mental noise of today's world. Recent guidance emphasizes the importance of grounding techniques and intentional self-care to counteract the constant stream of thoughts and external stimuli that fuel mental distress.

 

To relax the nervous system, engage in mindfulness and deep breathing exercises. Methods like a body scan meditation or a 60-second breathing cycle (inhale for four counts, hold for four, expel for four) can help shift attention from worried thoughts to the present.

 

To stop recurring or upsetting thinking patterns, employ distraction and mental reset techniques like the five-second rule (count down from five and change attention) or playing a straightforward mental game. By establishing limits on screen time, social media, and notifications, which can increase internal mental noise, you can reduce your exposure to information overload.

 

Examine professional assistance, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy, or exposure therapy, which have been shown to be effective in treating anxiety associated with overthinking and noise sensitivity. 

To lessen sensory overload in stressful situations, create a relaxing physical space using devices like earplugs, white noise machines, and noise-canceling headphones.

 

Under the thumb of white-collar criminals, justice remains elusive for Black people

 

The Black man in Belgium does not have access to justice, exactly like in the United States of America. 

Justice remains elusive for Black people in the United States due to deeply entrenched systemic racism embedded across all stages of the criminal justice system. Racial disparities are well-documented and not accidental but rather rooted in a history of oppression, discriminatory policies, and biased decision-making that disproportionately targets Black individuals.

 

From policing to sentencing, Black people face higher rates of stops, arrests, pretrial detention, and harsher sentencing compared to white individuals, even when controlling for offense type and criminal history. Black men, who comprise about 13% of the male population, make up approximately 35% of those incarcerated, and one in three Black men born today can expect to be incarcerated in their lifetime, compared to one in six Latino men and one in 17 white men.

 

The origins of modern policing trace back to slave patrols designed to control and capture runaway enslaved people, establishing a legacy of surveillance and violence against Black communities. This history continues today through practices such as racial profiling, with Black individuals being five times more likely to be stopped without just cause than white people.

 

Police killings of unarmed Black Americans contribute to a significant mental health burden, with estimates suggesting over 50 million additional days of poor mental health annually among Black Americans due to these incidents. Despite being disproportionately impacted by fatal police violence, making up 22% of fatal shootings despite being 13.4% of the population, few officers are prosecuted, with only 35 of 98 officers arrested since 2005 convicted of a crime, and only three convicted of murder.

 

In the courtroom, racial bias affects every phase of the legal process, including jury selection, charging decisions, plea negotiations, and sentencing. African American defendants are 22% more likely to have convictions overturned due to police misconduct, and 47% of exonerated individuals in wrongful conviction cases are African American.

The war on drugs has disproportionately devastated Black communities, with African Americans representing 29% of drug arrests and 33% of drug incarcerations despite using illicit drugs at similar rates to white Americans. As of 2022, African Americans were 5.9 times more likely to be incarcerated than whites, and Hispanics were 3.1 times more likely.

 

These disparities are not isolated incidents but reflect a broader pattern of systemic racism that criminalizes poverty and maintains racial hierarchies. The U.S. has the largest prison population in the world, with more Black people under correctional control today than were ever enslaved in the country’s history. This system perpetuates generational trauma, economic inequality, and disenfranchisement, undermining the promise of equal justice.

 

I have lived in Belgium for twenty-five years; I have never seen a single justice for the Black people. People of African descent continue to face dehumanization. There are thousands of Belgian journalists in the country, yet nobody is interested in writing or publishing about crime against Black people in the country. I am the only African writer who has been able to write about some of these crimes, yet the Belgian government and Google have removed a lot of them from my blog.

 

I have been complaining and have written many articles about the crimes of the Belgian government and Google against me and my blog, yet nothing has improved. When I went to the Stuivenberg hospital to investigate the strange circumstances of the death of many Africans, a female official of the Stad Antwerpen said I was crazy when I accused the hospital of stealing the body parts of Africans and deliberately killing them.

 

In my opinion, the female official isn’t an intelligent fellow. What do they expect me to say when the Belgian government and the royal family have built a statue of a lunatic king that orchestrated the killing of over 10 million Africans in the Congo? Once a statue has been built for a murderer, it makes sense to say that the Stuivenberg Hospital was deliberately killing African patients after stealing their body parts. I am happy that after my investigation, the hospital is now permanently closed. 

 

Some years ago, the Belgian government collaborated with Google and deliberately destroyed our genuine health blog to cover up political and medical crimes by the US government, Belgium, the World Health Organization, and the Centers for Disease Control; however, not this time with my personal blog. 

I am ready to fight Google and any individual with my pen, and the impact of the damage will be more effective than a spear. I have seen that in Belgium, just like in the United States of America, the Black man has no respect and access to justice. I will not beg for any respect. However, as long as I am certain that I have not committed any crimes, I will fight for my survival unabated.

Readers can see that the related post widget has been manipulated; therefore, random articles are appearing. This has been going on for years. I built this blog, and I know its performance, but the fact that they are changing things and slowing it down to discourage reading means they continue to manipulate the blog. More importantly, I have submitted the blog to "Yandex," a Russian search engine; therefore, I receive reports from the webmaster anytime changes are made to my blog. 

There are several tools that, when you run your blog or website through them, tell you what Google has done. Even though I have been publishing everything they do, they continue to do it. Very soon, I will publish new things they have done on my blog. When they respect me, they will get the same back. 

To whom it may concern, stop wasting your time blocking readers' access to this article. I have published it on different platforms. If you don't respect me, I also don't have respect for you. This fight will continue till the end of my life. 

 

Experience Sunday royal dining with these meals

 

Indian chicken curry: Photo credit: foodiesfeed.com

Making a tasty and nutritious Sunday supper for the family doesn't require being a queen, king, or wealthy. By focusing on careful planning and tasteful simplicity, taking influence from both tradition and pragmatism, you may feel regal on Sunday. Many people are miserable every Sunday at home because they are unable to prepare meals; this needs to change.

 

Many simple, tasty, and family-friendly recipes that emphasize taste and simplicity can be used to create delicious home meals. Many home cooks rely on reliable resources like Allrecipes, which offers a carefully chosen selection of well-regarded meal recipes like beef stir-fry, lasagna, chicken pot pie, and enchiladas. To prepare a nutritious meal, all you have to do is rely on a cookbook and carefully follow the directions.

 

Many people prefer to eat in restaurants, which is fine, but cooking at home is not only healthier but also saves a lot of money. If you're not good at cooking, use a cookbook as a guide to make the most of your Sundays. Easy and tasty recipes include slow cooker steak and noodles, crockpot Mexican street corn dip, and Dutch oven chicken breasts with vegetables, or concentrate on your choice of meal.

 

Cooking is now easier thanks to modern technology. Air fryers, sheet pans, and crockpots are examples of gadgets that reduce cleanup while producing delectable results, such as air fryer salmon bowls or sheet pan meals with sausages and vegetables. Comfort food is still a mainstay in many home kitchens; dishes like buffalo mac and cheese, chili dogs, and meatballs made with pork, apple, and sage provide warm, filling meals.

 

There are also plenty of vegetarian and low-fat choices, such as a hearty vegetarian chili and a straightforward fish pie that can be frozen for later use or portioned out for toddlers. Dishes like tikka masala, Japanese curry, and Tex-Mex-inspired recipes are appreciated for their robust flavors and simplicity of preparation by individuals who appreciate foreign flavors.

 

 

Cooking services like Deliciously Home Cooked and Craving Home Cooked provide users vetted, accessible recipes, such as a one-pot creamy kielbasa pasta recipe and imitations of popular dishes like Panda Express Kung Pao chicken. Whether cooking a large family meal or a small-batch dessert, these platforms inspire home cooks to fall in love with the kitchen by emphasizing clear, step-by-step directions.

 

Most African men have the same culinary skills as women. I'm glad to be one of them. We used to sit next to our mothers as they cooked, which is why. This improved my cooking skills, but more significantly, I learned how to make Continental cuisine while working in a variety of restaurants in Europe. Below are two delicious meals selected for today.

 

Indian chicken curry

 

The delicious and aromatic Indian chicken curry is made with tender chicken and a rich, spicy sauce made from onions, tomatoes, and a blend of toasted spices. It is usually served with rice, naan, or roti and can be prepared using a variety of techniques and ingredient combinations.

 

 

 

Ingredients:

 

½ kg (1.1 lbs) chicken (preferably bone-in, but boneless is acceptable): 500 g (1.1 lbs)

2 to 3 tablespoons oil: 30–45 mL

1 cup (3 medium) onions (finely chopped): 240 mL

1 to 2 green chilies (slit, optional for heat): 1–2

1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste (or ¾ inch ginger, 3 cloves garlic minced): 15 mL

½ cup (2 medium) tomatoes (pureed or finely chopped): 120 mL

¼ cup yogurt (or 1½ tbsp cashew butter or 12 cashews powdered & pureed with ¼ cup water): 60 mL

½ to ¾ teaspoon salt (adjust as needed): 2.5–3.5 mL

½ to 1 cup hot water (or light coconut milk): 120–240 mL

2 tablespoons coriander leaves (or mint leaves finely chopped): 30 mL

¼ teaspoon turmeric powder: 1.25 mL

1 teaspoon Kashmiri red chili powder (or smoked paprika for less spice): 5 mL

1 teaspoon garam masala (½ tsp more if needed): 5 mL

1 teaspoon coriander powder: 5 mL

1 bay leaf (or 1 sprig curry leaves): 1 leaf

 

Instructions:

 

Wash the chicken breasts, pat them dry, and cut them into bite-size pieces. Set aside.

On a medium flame, heat oil in a deep pan. Add whole spices—bay leaf, cinnamon, cloves, and green cardamoms—and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

Stir in the chopped onions and chilies. Sauté until they turn deep golden, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Add the ginger-garlic paste and sauté for about 1 minute, until a fragrant aroma develops.

Add the tomatoes, turmeric, and salt. Cook until the tomatoes become soft and mushy.

Turn the heat to low, then stir in the yogurt (or cashew paste), red chili powder, garam masala, and coriander powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic.

Add the chicken pieces and coriander leaves. Fry on medium heat for about 3 minutes, until the chicken turns white or pale in color.

Cover the pan and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the flavors.

Meanwhile, heat 1 cup of hot water in a separate pot (using hot water prevents toughening of chicken).

Add the hot water to the pan and stir. Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Taste and adjust salt if needed. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve warm.

 

Fish curry with potato and tomato

 

Fish curry with potato and tomato is a popular dish across various Indian regional cuisines, known for its rich, spiced sauce and hearty combination of tender fish and starchy potatoes. It is commonly prepared with fresh tomatoes, aromatic spices, and a variety of fish and is often served with steamed rice or flatbreads.

Fish curry with potato and tomato. Photo credit: unitabhuyan.net

 

Ingredients:

 

Fish (skinless white fish fillets): 500 g (1.1 lb) cut into 3 cm (1.2 in) pieces

Potatoes: 500 g (1.1 lb) cut into 2 cm (0.8 in) cubes

Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced (approx. 250 g / 8.8 oz)

Tomatoes: 2 medium, coarsely grated or chopped (approx. 480 g / 1.06 lb)

Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp, grated (approx. 25 g / 0.9 oz)

Garlic: 3 cloves, crushed (approx. 15 g / 0.5 oz)

Fresh curry leaves: 3 whole (optional, but traditional)

Ground cumin: 1 tbsp (approx. 10 g / 0.35 oz)

Ground coriander: 2 tsp (approx. 6 g / 0.21 oz)

Ground turmeric: 1 tsp (approx. 5 g / 0.18 oz)

Coconut milk (light): 400 ml (14 fl oz)

Sunflower or canola oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml)

Fresh coriander: 0.333 cup, coarsely chopped (approx. 25 g / 0.9 oz)

Fresh red chilli: 1 whole, finely chopped (optional for heat)

Yoghurt (99% fat-free, plain or natural): 1 cup (240 g / 8.5 oz)

 

Instructions:

 

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and curry leaves, and cook for 7 minutes or until light golden. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 3 minutes more until well browned.

Add crushed garlic, grated ginger, cumin, coriander, and turmeric. Stir for 30 seconds or until fragrant.

Add coarsely grated tomatoes, coconut milk, and potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until potatoes are just tender.

Add the fish pieces and frozen peas (if using), and cook, covered, for 5 minutes or until the fish is just cooked through and flakes easily.

Remove curry leaf sprigs. Serve the curry sprinkled with finely chopped red chili, fresh coriander, and a dollop of unsweetened yogurt.